5 Surprising Hazards of Using Deodorant (and the Solution!)

If you’re like me, you likely haven’t really thought much about your deodorant (other than making sure you use it). It’s deodorant; you put it under your arms; you hope you don’t stink. Right? Right. What is there to know about deodorant?

As our family has begun pursuing a healthier life, I’ve also started to become aware not only of what I put in my body, but also what I put on my body. I started to look more critically at the toothpaste I use, the lotion I put on my skin, and yes, even the deodorant I use.

5 Hazardous Ingredients in Your Deodorant and Antiperspirants

Our skin, surprisingly, absorbs a great deal of what we put on it. So, if we’re putting chemicals on our body, it will absorb those chemicals. Here are a few of the things you should be aware of that are found in conventional deodorant. Let’s talk about 5 hazards of using deodorant from the store.

1. Aluminum

What’s it there for? Aluminum is an ingredient found in antiperspirants and works to completely stop perspiration.

What’s the problem? Aluminum has been linked to a number of health issues:

Seizures

Breast Cancer

Alzheimer’s Disease

Bone Formation Disorders

Kidney Problems

It’s of particular importance of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and Down’s Syndrome to steer clear of aluminum. Recent studies have shown that they are particularly sensitive to aluminum and absorb much more aluminum than others.

2. Parabens

What’s it there for? Parabens are found in many personal care items and are used a preservative.

What’s the problem? The problem with parabens is that they mimic estrogen in your body. Not good. Parabens can throw off your body’s hormonal balance. This can cause an early onset of puberty, increase your risk of hormonal cancers, and even birth defects in your future children.

You may see parabens listed on the label as: methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben.

3. Propylene Glycol

What’s it there for? Propylene glycol is used to increase absorption and helps keep substances from drying out. Interesting tidbit: this substance was originally formulated to be used as an anti-freeze.

What’s the problem? Propylene glycol is a neurotoxin and skin irritant. It could cause damage to your central nervous system, heart, and liver.

Watch out! You often even see propylene glycol in “natural” deodorants found in the stores.

4. Phthalates

What’s it there for? Phthalates help consistency of personal care products.

What’s the problem? Phthalates increase the likelihood of cell mutation and disrupt hormone receptors which in turn increases the risk of birth defects.

5. Triclosan

What’s it there for? Triclosan is antimicrobial—it kills bacteria, fungus, and other microbes.

What’s the problem? In addition to being classified as a pesticide by the FDA and a probable carcinogen by the EPA, triclosan has been linked to a number of different problems including: disruption of the endocrine system (particularly thyroid function), increased risk of cancer, and increased hay fever and allergy symptoms.

Because of this, some companies have begun to remove triclosan from their products, but you can still find it in many. The American Medical Association now recommends that triclosan and other antibacterial products not be used in the home as they may encourage bacterial resistance.

C’mon. Will These Hazards of Using Deodorant Really Cause Health Problems?

There have been a number of studies done to specifically look at whether deodorants and antiperspirants increase breast cancer risk and Alzheimer’s disease, but unfortunately the findings are mixed. There simply needs to be more studies completed before a conclusive verdict is reached in the medical community.

In the meantime, knowing these hazards of using deodorant from the store, and knowing that many of the chemicals found in skin-care products are toxic carcinogens and may cause major health problems makes me want to look for alternatives. Doesn’t it make you want to know what alternative deodorants there are out there?

There are, indeed some fantastic alternatives, but I wouldn’t look in your local grocery store for them. Even some of the “natural” deodorants I’ve picked up from the store contain some of these chemicals.

Do not despair, there are some great, natural, chemical-free deodorant alternatives.

I’ve recently been introduced to Truly’s natural deodorant. It truly is natural (unlike some other “natural” brands that I won’t mention) :). It’s so natural, that you’ll be able to recognize each of these nourishing ingredients. However, you might scratch your head and wonder how in the world these ingredients will help keep away the body odor. Let me give you a quick run-down of what each of the ingredients are and what they do:

Organic Coconut Oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal that is also soothing to your skin acts as a moisturizer.

Baking Soda: Has long been used in many different places to fight odor.

Beeswax helps with the consistency of the deodorant.

Truly’s is not designed to stop you from sweating. Sweating a a normal and healthy function of the body. Sweating allows your body to release toxins. Rather, Truly’s is designed to keep your sweat from stinking! 🙂 And, it really works. I’ve been using Truly’s for a while now, and I’m loving it!

​DIY Alternative Deodorants

If you want to avoid the hazards of using deodorant from the store, and if you’d rather try your hand at making your own deodorant, here are a few recipes. I can’t vouch for how they work as I’ve not tried them:

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Good call, I apologize for not referencing my studies. I will for sure get those in here, but it won’t have the chance to do it for a few days. That was my bad, I know i hate it when I can’t find references in posts that I read. I’ll let ya know when I have my sources up. Have a good day!

I’ve been struggling with deodorants for years. I often go without because I have a hard time finding an appropriate solution. Commercial deodorants make me itchy and my pits start to flake! Problem is, when I try natural – even homemade – my pits still smell. I bathe often enough, but I just perspire so much! And I take tons of garlic and other “smelly” supplements I’m sure ti doesn’t help. I’m content with being a generally “hippie” mama who is self-conscious about raising her arms above her head, but for the sake of those around me do you have any suggestions?

I’m worried about all of it really, particularly the alluminum and parabens since they have been studied a bit more. In the winter I don’t have to worry quite as much but in the summer (we don’t have AC) I used to have to use the “clinical” deoderants which I’m sure are even worse. I stopped using those and have just dealt with it. I try to use natural methods as much as possible but every now and then will put on some Secret…I’d much rather not of course.

I stopped using deo with aluminum over a year ago. And this past year was my WORST for hay fever. It was almost as bad as when I was pregnant! I’m not sure the two are linked (triclosan and hay fever), but that’s just anecdotal on my part.

I have been using Tom’s of Maine after my hubby found out the salt crystal ones still break down into aluminum in the body. Since there is aluminum in many baking sodas, I would be hesitant to try that.

Try a brand called Lavilin (I buy it on Amazon). It’s been rated one of the best all-natural deodorants in the industry. It is safe, free of parabens, and long-lasting. Perhaps most importantly it is great for people with sensitive skin!

I use a weak solution of bleach and water. It lasts a long time and works great for me. I know bleach is a chemical too but surely it’s not as bad as the deodorant chemicals. Just make sure you are dry before putting on clothes as it could stain clothes I suppose. I have never stained clothes this way though. The water/bleach solution can be pretty weak and is still be effective.

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[…] recently become very concerned about all of the chemicals in a lot of personal care products and deodorant is no exception. In fact, there are 5 ingredients found in many deodorants and antiperspirants that are […]

[…] Are you making the switch to natural personal-care products? Worried about the chemicals in most store-bought products? Did you know deodorant is one of the worst offenders! Want to know more? Be sure to check out: 5 Surprising Hazards of Using Deodorant and the Solution. […]